I woke up in the middle of the night to an unusual silence. The fridge hum and the fans that usually accompany our camping experience were absent. Turns out, our off-grid camping setup had hit a snag – the house battery had drained, probably because we’d kept the ceiling fan running all day and night. Needless to say, it wasn’t the best sleep.

Skipping the early morning alarm, we weren’t exactly in a rush, especially after a hectic few days of driving. But when our neighbor fired up their generator at 8:30, we figured it was time to pack up.

We embarked on a little adventure down a semi-abandoned road leading to a tunnel. Opting for a two-hour loop trail recommended on AllTrails, we couldn’t shake off the unease after hearing about a bear sighting in the area.

Surprisingly, despite the touristy nature of the Smoky Mountains, we found ourselves alone on the trail until we crossed paths with another couple halfway through. Fortunately, no bear sightings for us.

We stumbled upon a picturesque lake, where hungry fish eagerly accepted our offering of fruitcake crumbs. After the stroll, we made our way to Clingmans Dome, North Carolina’s highest point. The drive up was steep and winding, with frequent stops to admire the scenic vistas.

Arriving at the top, we were met with a throng of people, all vying for parking spots. Luckily, we managed to snag one and joined the crowd on the trek up the paved path to the summit. Passing by the Appalachian Trail crossing was a reminder of the solitude we craved amidst the bustling crowds.

Despite the arduous climb, the mist-covered peak offered no views, a disappointment compared to the stunning sights on the drive up. Disheartened, we descended, leaving the masses behind.

By the time we reached the bottom, it was late afternoon, prompting us to settle at Smokemont Campground for the night. With no power or showers, we made a mental note to conserve energy and avoid running our fan to prevent another battery mishap. Thankfully, there was a quieter section away from the generator noise.

Tomorrow’s plan? A scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway towards Virginia, hopefully with better luck and clearer views.